2020:

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This Weeks News 9/24/2020

The way it used to be! This vintage postcard shows the Whitebrier Hotel, on the beach between 20th & 21st Streets in Avalon, long before the Whitebrier Condominium took its place. Have a vintage postcard or photograph from Avalon or Stone Harbor?  Please send it to me! It might appear in an upcoming edition of my newsletter!
 
AN OCTOBER-LIKE WIND brought an unexpected blast of cool air to the island last weekend. After a couple of days of cooler-than-normal temperatures warmer air began gradually returning, making it feel more like September again. If you're swimming or surfing, no worries--the ocean water is still quite warm!
 
JACK RICHARDSON, an Avalon icon, passed away last week at the age of 88. After moving to the island as a young boy Jack quickly fell in love with fishing, swimming, diving and all that Avalon offered. He later served in the US Navy, and then became an Avalon police officer. Jack also volunteered for the Avalon Fire Department, and worked for Tozour-Kerr builders. Jack is perhaps best known for founding Richardson Screen Repair in the 1980s, and for his presence at Sullivan's coffee counter, and later for his chair at the Pudgie Pelican (with his name engraved on it). A visitation will be held Saturday, September 26th from 1pm to 3pm at the First United Methodist Church of Avalon.
 
DREDGING IS UNDERWAY in the IntraCoastal Waterway behind Stone Harbor and Avalon. The area being dredged is a particularly shallow section of the ICW leading toward another long, shallow stretch known among local boaters as "the football field" or "the bowling alley" due to its narrow channel which can be difficult for larger boats to navigate at low tide. If transiting the area boaters are advised to slow down and proceed at idle speed past the dredging equipment.
 
LOCAL BRIDGE WORK CONTINUES, as work has resumed on the Avalon Boulevard Bridge. The bridge is down to one alternating lane of traffic, and as work resumed this week significant traffic delays were experienced. If travelling along Avalon Boulevard allow extra time, or consider entering Avalon via Sea Isle City or Stone Harbor.
 
SECOND HOME OWNERS: CENSUS 2020! Second home owners are encouraged to respond to the 2020 census in order to allow an accurate count of the population, and proper funding for roads, schools, and dozens of programs that benefit local communities. The deadline for self-response is September 30th! Visit WWW.2020CENSUS.GOV or call 844-330-2020--it takes only a few moments!
 
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2021? Yes, there is still time to enjoy 2020--but why not plan ahead for 2021 and make it your year? Whether you need a week at the beach, or you want to make it permanent, call or email me today!

 

This Weeks News 9/17/2020

Stone Harbor Fire Department flew an American flag during the borough's 9/11 remembrance ceremony. Thanks to Joe Van Thuyne for capturing this image.
 
WORK ON THE AVALON BOULEVARD BRIDGE will resume this week, as the ongoing repair project enters phase two. Temporary concrete barriers will be installed between travel lanes as the replacement of the bridge's concrete deck resumes. Temporary traffic signals will restrict travel to one alternating lane during the off season. The project is expected to conclude next June.
 
AVALON FIRE CHIEF ED DEAN has shared an important safety message for those that own (and charge) an electric low speed vehicle (LSV). Chief Dean points out that charging the lead acid batteries found in these vehicles can produce hydrogen gas as a byproduct, and recommends that they be charged outdoors, or with an open garage door. carbon monoxide detector will also detect potentially unsafe levels of hydrogen, doing double duty for the homeowner. See Chief Dean's press release here: 
 
IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGE FOR HOMES THAT HAVE GOLF CARTS/LOW SPEED VEHICLES
 
OH, THAT SEPTEMBER WEATHER! We've had many sunny days with cooler, dry weather--just like September is known for! Crisp evening air makes for delightful "windows open" sleeping weather, too. Have no fear--the ocean water temperature is between 74 and 75 degrees along the beach!
 
"SAVING SEPTEMBER" replaces Stone Harbor's traditional "Savor September" this year, and will take place the weekend of September 25th-27th. Friday at 6pm Merchant Hospitality Night will feature great deals, complimentary drinks, and live music. Saturday is "Stone Harbor En Blanc." Dress in all white while dining at a participating restaurant, or reserve a space at "Sunset En Blanc," located at the 81st Street Marina parking lot, where you can bring your own food, drink, tables, and chairs while watching the sunset and enjoying live music by Originaire.
 
MAJOR BIRD MIGRATION MOVEMENTS are predicted for the northeast this week, according to Birdcast.info. Up to 50 million birds were expected to begin moving, with high numbers of flights expected September 17-19. Cape May County is a popular spot for bird watchers; the state's geography funnels birds into Cape May County during their annual migrations. Check out the migration alert here: 
 
MIGRATION ALERT: MAJOR NORTHEAST FLIGHT ON 14 SEPTEMBER 2020
 
WETLANDS "NEHST" PROGRAM: Looking to add a new perspective to your child's education? Check out the Wetlands Institute's Nature Education for Homeschool Students and Teachers. Featuring monthly lessons during Autumn, Winter, and Spring sessions, topics include The Ways of Water, Adapting to Winter, Habitats, and more. Some sessions are held at the Institute, while others are held out in the field at various locations.  Check out the program here:
 
NATURE EDUCATION FOR HOMESCHOOL STUDENTS AND TEACHERS (NEHST)

 

This Weeks News 9/10/2020

An egret swoops in for a landing in a shallow tidal pool, while searching for food.
 
WHAT A WEEKEND! Three days of gorgeous seashore weather made for a super Labor Day Weekend. Blue skies, puffy white clouds, and gentle sea breezes provided near-perfect conditions whether you were surfing, sunning, sailing, or socializing! The great weekend weather provided a boost to local shops and eateries too.
 
AVALON'S END OF SUMMER SHOP HOP occurs this coming weekend, Friday, September 11th, through Sunday, September 13th. More than thirty stores are participating with discounts ranging from 10% to 75% off select inventory. After your shopping grab a drink and an app from Bobby Dee's Rockin' Chair or another local restaurant.
 
THE 96TH STREET BRIDGE will undergo more repairs during overnight hours this week and next. The bridge will be closed to automobile traffic 8pm to 6am Tuesday night through Thursday night this week, and, if necessary, next week. Work includes painting of new steel support beams and replacing aged rivets with new bolts. During the closures traffic will be routed to Avalon Boulevard.
 
PHILADELPHIA MAGAZINE'S GUIDE TO ENJOYING SEVEN MILE ISLAND during the fall season offers a synopsis of why Avalon and Stone Harbor are so enjoyable during the fall, as well as a list of tried-and-true activities. Among Philly Mag's recommendations are perennial favorites the Reeds at Shelter Haven, Icona, Windrift, Fred's, Kohlers, and Slack Tide Brewing. Check out the rest of their recommendations here: YOUR GUIDE TO VISITING SEVEN MILE ISLAND IN THE FALL
 
BULK TRASH PICKUPS: In Avalon bulk items may be placed curbside this week for pickup on the morning of September 14th. In Stone Harbor bulk items will be collected the same day; items may be placed curbside up to 72 hours in advance. Construction debris and hazardous materials are not collected with bulk items.
 
THE SECOND SUMMER IS UPON US! Widely considered to be the best time of year by locals and visitors alike, September and October bring with them smaller crowds and cooler temperatures, combined with warm ocean temperatures and more plentiful parking and restaurant seating. This year more people than ever are expected to take advantage of virtual work and school, and spend their fall season at the shore. Ready to make Seven Mile Island a permanent part of your life? Call or email me, and I'll help you find the perfect place in your favorite shore town!

 

This Weeks News 9/3/2020

A Sunfish sailboat adds a splash of color on an overcast day!
 
INTEREST RATES dipped again last week, with 30-year fixed rate mortgages dropping below 3%. Jumbo loans over $510,400 were just slightly higher. Low interest rates continue to drive the real estate market, and demand for shore properties remains high. Ready to take advantage of low rates and make your shore purchase? Call me!
 
INDOOR DINING RESUMES FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH! New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy recently announced that indoor dining would resume this weekend, with a limit of 25% of capacity. After being restricted to outdoor dining only during the prime summer months, many restaurants are eager to serve patrons indoors. Restaurants are likely to keep their outdoor service operational since indoor capacity will be restricted.
 
FARMER'S MARKET EXTENDED! The Stone Harbor Farmer's Market has been extended and will run every Sunday through September! Held at the Water Tower Plaza on 95th Street from 8am to 12:30pm, the Farmer's Market features local vendors and their products. Stop by on Sunday to support them!
 
COUNTY BRIDGE PLAN: The Atlantic City Press reported that Cape May County Board of Freeholders has approved a plan to address aging bridges throughout the county. The 15-year plan calls for spending $603 million to $890 million, much of which is anticipated to come from state and federal sources. The county maintains more than two dozen bridges, including five toll bridges which link the barrier islands with each other via Ocean Drive.
 
AVALON PAPER SHREDDING & BULK TRASH: The Borough of Avalon will hold a community paper shredding day on Monday, September 7th (Labor Day) from 9am to 2pm, at the Public Works building on 15th Street, just east of Dune Drive. Bulk trash will be collected on September 14th, and items may be placed curbside beginning September 4th. (No construction or remodeling debris will be collected.)
 
SEPTEMBER'S HERE...NEED A FALL GETAWAY? If you'd like to book a last-minute vacation at the beach, now's the time. Or perhaps you're working virtually...why not work virtually at the beach? Either way I'm happy to help! Email me your needs--we may have the perfect vacation property for you!